An absent-minded professor's blog.

5 Bits of Happiness for August 2013

It’s time for that monthly contest again, so here we are, supporting positive thinking. Or finding joy in the littlest of things. Those who still haven’t joined the contest, I urge you to join. Those who tried this before and didn’t win…well, you should try again. 🙂 Contest details are at the end of this post.

Meanwhile, here’s my August 2013 list of things that made me fangirly giddy. I noticed that a lot of it has to do with milk and cream. Hehe.

When my gastroenterologist told me that I should no longer drink coffee, it felt like he just told me that he was going to amputate my arm. I have this love-hate relationship with coffee, wherein I’d go back to it but then it would result in me running back to my doctor after a few weeks. But I discovered Kopiko’s Low Acid coffee a couple of months ago. It shone like a beacon in that aisle and I found myself drawn to it. It kinda disappeared for a while (always sold out?) but then it returned and I kinda hoarded it in case it disappears again.

Kulfi from New Bombay at the Ayala Columns near the RCBC Building. For those who aren’t familiar with Indian cuisine, kulfi is traditional Indian ice cream. This particular serving has bits of nuts on top of it. This is perfect for cleansing the palate from the rich yumminess of Indian food.

This photo should be listed under #throwbackthrusday on my Facebook account. This is fried ice cream from the now defunct Tarragon Restaurant in BF Parañaque. It’s one of the best items on their menu so I don’t understand why they had to close down. Ok, I will not think about sad things so let’s move on to the next item…

I tried goat’s milk for the first time after a weekend workshop/seminar in Tagaytay. This brand is Mr. Moo’s. I heard that most goat’s milk smells like pee but I’m glad that this was mostly odorless. This makes me happy because I love dairy products but my tummy hates them. I experienced no such problem with Mr. Moo’s. This milk is perfect for those who are lactose intolerant.

Lastly…

Staring at our fattest cat, Arya, removes my stress. She’s very fluffy, too. So when you pet her, you feel that kind of stress relief that mammals usually experience when indulging in the sense of touch. **gigil**

Contest mechanics:Previous rules apply. In the comments section below, tell me about your 5 bits of happiness and get a chance to win a nice little gift pack from Human Nature. You can also score additional points by following the instructions below.

Post navigation

6 Comments

Nicole

I had a very trying and emotional 2 months, due to personal reasons – which I cannot disclose here. I found these 5 small things, which I also call my little steps to healing:

1. Some pamperingFinally made use of my free coupons to spend some time at ACE water spa with friends and family. Water therapy is pretty awesome.

2. The plain act of just getting out of the house.Worst thing to do when depressed is to wallow and be holed up in your room. The mere act of getting out of bed, putting on fresh clothes and taking my 2 dogs for a walk in the park did some good and lifted my spirits.

3. A well-cooked mealAs a foodie, THIS always lifts my spirits. I had to tell myself to eat properly. When depressed, I lose my appetite, but a well-prepared and a yummy meal really makes me happy that it would be a shame not to partake.

4. Prayer.Been praying a lot lately. I found that some quiet time helps relieve the hurt and pain. Sometimes, you just need a little faith that things are going to be ok.

5. There's always chocolate. I'm not really fond of sweets, but I do love chocolate. By happenstance, I discovered this Chocolatier place near my place when I was supposed to get a Starbucks Mocha Frap. Their chocolate cake is divine. Loved their Illy coffee too.

So there you have it. My 5 bits that make me happy. Still healing, but I know I'm getting better.

Issachavez

My 5 bits of happiness for August are:1. Cooking! – I am not much of a cook but I find it really enjoyable now because I've got my son to cook for,2. Homemade ice cream – I found this really easy to make ice cream recipe and it is now becoming a habit for me, hihihi….3. Scrapbooking – I found the time again to continue with my scrapbooking. It is like a therapy. I find it really enjoyable because I get to look at our family pictures on a scrapbook.4. Studying with my son – because I am so happy especially when I see the result of our studying! It is a very nice accomplishment for my son and I.5. Coffee – My day would never be complete without a cup of coffee in a day especially on our rainy weather these past few days. 🙂

IamPia Jamarie

1. Cooking everyday after my work – This awakens my senses every morning before I go to sleep ( I work on a night shift) but drives me to think creatively what to prepare at home. It's so nice to see my son appreciates my menudo and adobo and for me it is priceless. I get to enjoy what I do and at the same time, somebody appreciates it to.I am thankful for this passion.

2. Drop Dead Diva- I am completely addicted to this series that was introduced to me by my friend. It's funny, very entertaining and lets you learn a lot about law because the lead star is a lawyer and her name is Jane. She is so smart and her acting is superb. Not to mention, I love the way she dress, very sophisticated. I watch this everyday and re watch it after completing the series. I feel happy and inspired after watching this.

3. Studying time with my son- I create worksheets for him and at the same time we have this point system going on to encourage him more to look forward answering it. One of our many bonding that I always cherish.

4. Seeing my son's enjoying his Sunday School at CCF.

5. And doing these things when I am not in good mood… to feel good.

Marizen Villamora

These five bits of happiness make me look forward to seeing them or being with me always. It's like the day is not complete or normal if I don't have them with me. I am confident that when times get tough, I can make it through because these little things tell me that you need not search far or aim higher to have happiness with you. It's the little things that you have with you that makes you feel good about yourself.

1. My plants

I know some of you cannot relate with me. But I get irritated whenever I don't see green things around me. There was even a time when I resigned from an office in EDSA because I really feel disoriented that all concrete walls surround me and I inhale all the toxic fumes emitted by vehicles in EDSA. And to make matters worse, I can't see any green form of life anywhere where I walk in the road and I already feel sick seeing it. Everytime I see a new flower bud or a new vegetable sprout from my pots, those are the moments I get happy and elated. I let them stay outside no matter how hot the sun is or there is a typhoon or insects threaten to destroy them but they still grow and flourish. I am humbly reminded that even plants can survive life no matter what you throw at them. I'm so proud of my babies. They're tough like their mommy. (That's me)

2. Our Dogs

The mere wagging of the tails of our 4 dogs even before I open our gate makes me forget I'm tired. It was an instant antidote to all the stress and worries I feel for the day. My hands running on their hair; them jumping over me and seeing who can lick me first; me telling them to settle down and not to wake the entire house. Those are the scenes I have everyday coming home and I hope would never change.

3. My Cats

My mom hates their stinky poo and for jumping over our heads so that they can cross from one furniture top to another. But all evil descriptions never register from my mind once they come to me purring in my neck, swishing their furry tails and hitting my nose and their motor engine like purring makes me have them sleep on my chest. Such was their magic to me.

4. My 7-in-1 coffee

Whoever invented mixed coffees especially with the ginseng, stevia, etc deserves a nomination in any science awards hall of fame. The moment I wake up, it's the first thing that comes to my mind. Because honestly I won't last a day without it. I remembered one seminar I forgot to bring my 7-in-1 and i have to drink their instant coffee, just after an hour my eyelids are so heavy I thought I need some toothpicks to pry my eyes open and stake it so that i won't doze off completely. My attention was called from the rostrum by the speaker (but without mentioning my name). He said something about dozing off which not even public humiliation motivated me to open it.

And lastly

5. My Extra Virgin Olive OIl

No pasta is good for me if there is no Extra Virgin olive oil in it. The flavor is absolutely addicting. Plus the fact that it's the only oil that does not freeze over. One forkful of any pasta and I can tell instantly that there is no olive oil in it and for that I hate the cook. I have 3 or 4 brands of extra virgin olive oil with me and I try to see which is most flavorful depending on what pasta dish. I remember 13 years ago I used to hunt for it in the international section of the grocery section and not all brands back then are available. Any cook who does not put olive oil in their pasta is committing a sacrilege. So do not insult your spaghetti. Because I respect mine.

About The Author

Doc B is a crazy cat lady, a former behavioral scientist turned video game producer, and a full professor. She is an INFJ who is married to an INTJ software engineer. You can grab a copy of her book by clicking the book thumbnail below.